Estimate · based on BLS national data

Petroleum Engineers in North Carolina

$143,006 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$68.75 per hour

▼ 9.0% below U.S. average31st of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$143,006per year
Median$131,868per year
Hourly$68.75per hour
10th – 90th percentile$81,925 – $211,979per year

Petroleum Engineers Pay Range in North Carolina

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$81,925
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$113,186
  • 50th Percentile — Median$131,868
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$183,521
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$211,979

Half of Petroleum Engineers in North Carolina earn more than $131,868. The top 10% make $211,979 or more, while entry-level workers start around $81,925.

Petroleum Engineers in North Carolina: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • North Carolina ranks 31st of 51 states for Petroleum Engineers pay, at $143,006 per year (9.0% below the U.S. average of $157,150).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,925; the top 10% earn over $211,979.
  • Hourly equivalent: $68.75 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $243,582.
  • Among engineering jobs in North Carolina, Computer Hardware Engineers pays the most ($144,050).

Petroleum Engineers Job Market in North Carolina

Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina's key industries are Technology, Finance, Agriculture, and its job market is rated strong. Petroleum Engineers here earn $143,006 on average, placing the state 31st nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.91 (U.S. = 1.00), a North Carolina salary of $143,006 is roughly equivalent to $157,149 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Georgia ($146,150), Idaho ($146,150), Wyoming ($146,150) are the closest alternatives for Petroleum Engineers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Petroleum Engineers salary in North Carolina?

The average Petroleum Engineers salary in North Carolina is $143,006 per year (median $131,868), which is 9.0% below the national average of $157,150.

How does North Carolina rank for Petroleum Engineers pay?

North Carolina ranks 31st out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($243,582/yr).

How much do entry-level Petroleum Engineers make in North Carolina?

The lowest-paid 10% of Petroleum Engineers in North Carolina earn about $81,925 per year and the 25th percentile is $113,186.

How much do Petroleum Engineers make per hour in North Carolina?

About $68.75 per hour, based on the $143,006 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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